While this review may appear to be a bit negative, it is more a matter of frustration with what could have been a truly awesome game, hampered by some not-quite-fatal but bad bugs nonetheless. As it is, M1 Tank Platoon II is still an extremely well-done and researched simulation, and is almost worthy of the name. If MicroProse does what it says it will do, and continues to support the game, well, we could have a worthy sequel on our hands.

Simply put, if you enjoy simulators M1 should find itself onto your must buy list. However, if you find simulators too complex to enjoy, then M1 will not change your mind. Microprose has put together an incredible package with M1.

Fully detailed, completely playable, and thoroughly enjoyable, M1 Tank Platoon II is the best tank simulation to hit the shelves in as long as I can remember. It’s really too bad so many features are missing from the final version, and Internet play isn’t more strongly supported — with these additions, the game’s overall rating would have certainly jumped a notch. My only advice to the developers right now would be to hurry up and get that patch finished, so myself and other tank commanders can appreciate M1 Tank Platoon II for all it’s worth.

Even if MicroProse successfully patches all of M1II’s problems, the game will continue to suffer from lack of polish and inattention to detail. LONGBOW 2 players will recognize how much better M1II could have been if it had more of the customization features and player configuration options. MicroProse is planning M1II expansion disks that could extend the game’s replay value.
Most hard-core tank simulation fans will find enough to like in M1II to overlook its obvious faults. Those who expect a reasonably complete and functional game for their money might want to take a wait-and-see approach. The potential for a good game is certainty there, but only time will tell whether MicroProse can save M1II from the bargain bin of obscurity.